Give Your Children Values

A child without values is at the mercy of everybody else’s values. Paul writes, ‘We are co-workers in God’s service… no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1 Corinthians 3:9, 11 NIV) When the adult role models in your children’s lives let them down, point them to Jesus. Tell them how He handled things, and what He has to say about the problems they will face in life.

Jesus said, ‘For this cause I was born.’ (John 18:37 NKJV) Let your children know they were born for a special purpose, and as they walk with God He’ll reveal it to them. Anything less, regardless of how rich or famous it makes them, doesn’t satisfy. Peer pressure would be less effective if our children were taught to hold on to their own values and respect their own opinions. Having others exercise too much influence over them is very dangerous!

And don’t just teach your kids, ask for their opinions—and respect them. Home is where children learn to practise expressing how they feel, and if you’ve laid the right foundation you have nothing to worry about. You simply need to guide them in forming the right opinions. If you don’t, they won’t learn to think for themselves or face life with confidence. Moses told the Israelites: ‘Think constantly about these commandments… teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning.’ (Deuteronomy 6:6–7 TLB) There you have it, Mum and Dad—the job is yours! So get on with it and God will bless you and your family.